I'm pretty set on taking a year off and retaking the LSAT. But I was curious, would it be detrimental if I were to apply to a few schools anyways? In other words, say I applied to a school and I didn't get the merit aid I wanted - would they look down on me if I rejected their offer and then reapplied the next cycle?

spets wrote:I'm pretty set on taking a year off and retaking the LSAT. But I was curious, would it be detrimental if I were to apply to a few schools anyways? In other words, say I applied to a school and I didn't get the merit aid I wanted - would they look down on me if I rejected their offer and then reapplied the next cycle?

Thanks.

I don't think it would be a big problem. If that school were to really blow you away with an offer of financial aid, then go now. If not, go next year. Just tell them you weren't in a position financially at that time to attend. besides there are thousands of apps every year so unless you are frighteningly unique this is little chance they remember you at all. the only thing you might lose this year would be the money for app fees and lsdas reports.

My question is why would you apply to a school knowing that even if you received merit aid from them you would turn them down? I don't think anything GOOD can come from applying to a school, being accepted, turning them down, and then reapplying next semester, so I'm not sure why you would take the risk. I'm guessing there is still a chance big money could persuade you?

Although, to actually answer your question, no I don't think it would be a big deal.

I'm mulling this over as well. I haven't heard back from anyone yet, but there are a handful of legitimate personal reasons that might lead me to put things off a year regardless. If it comes to that, I'm planning to write a very honest letter to the dean this year saying that I would like to attend their law school, but am not yet ready to make that kind of commitment this fall for reasons XYZ. If a deferral is not practical, they can expect to see my application next year.

I have no idea how they might look on that, but my hope of course is that they'll appreciate the candor.